Jackson County, Michigan Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · MI
LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 76th
Jackson County faces low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 76.5, 76th national percentile), driven primarily by tornado and strong wind exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $38M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Overall natural disaster risk in Jackson County is low, with a National Risk Index score of 76.5 out of 100 — placing it in the 76th national percentile and below the national average for natural-disaster risk. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by tornado (violently rotating columns of air capable of catastrophic local damage) at High risk — $10M in expected annual loss and about 0.37 events per year; strong wind (damaging straight-line winds outside of tornadoes and hurricanes) at High risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 5.75 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 3.04 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $38M in expected annual loss for a population of 160K.
Beyond physical exposure, Jackson County has a low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
The federal record bears this out: Jackson County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1972, including 4 for snowstorm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in March 2020.
Among 83 Michigan counties, Jackson County ranks #15 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Tornado | High | 0.37 / yr | $10M |
| Strong Wind | High | 5.75 / yr | $2M |
| Hail | Medium | 3.04 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | Medium | 2.42 / yr | $3M |
| Ice Storm | Medium | 1.78 / yr | $354K |
| Riverine Flood | Medium | 0.39 / yr | $18M |
| Winter Weather | Medium | 16.11 / yr | $142K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.00 / yr | $742K |
| Landslide | Low | 0.18 / yr | $4K |
| Heat Wave | Low | 2.63 / yr | $553K |
| Lightning | Medium | 35.70 / yr | $312K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $30K |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $18K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Jackson County has received 10 federal disaster declarations since 1972, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in March 2020. Most frequent causes: Snowstorm (4), Biological (2), Severe Storm (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| September 2005 | Hurricane | Hurricane Katrina Evacuation |
| June 2004 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| January 2001 | Snowstorm | Snow |
| January 1999 | Snowstorm | Mi - Severe Weather 1/2 /99 |
| September 1980 | Flood | Severe Storms & Flooding |
| January 1978 | Snowstorm | Blizzards & Snowstorms |
| March 1976 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Icing & Flooding |
| April 1972 | Snowstorm | Severe Storm & Freezing |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Jackson County?
Jackson County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 76.5 out of 100, placing it in the Low category and the 76th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Jackson County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Tornado (High, $10M EAL), Strong Wind (High, $2M EAL), Hail (Medium, $2M EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Jackson County compare to other Michigan counties?
Jackson County ranks #15 of 83 Michigan counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Jackson County had?
FEMA records 10 federal disaster declarations for Jackson County since 1972, most often 4 for snowstorm events and 2 for biological events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in March 2020.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Jackson County's $38M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.